Summer is here and that means it’s time to get those red shirts ready for the annual celebration of Gay Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Gay Day at Disney first took place on June 1, 1991, in front of Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom just before the 3 p.m. parade. The idea was for the LGBTQ+ community to gather, all wearing red shirts, to be seen during a time when the queer community was being vilified. Given today’s political climate in Florida, where we are seeing the worst attack on the LGBTQ+ community from Tallahassee in the state’s history, it is now more important than ever to be here, be seen and stand together.
But while we stand up to hateful attacks, it doesn’t mean we cannot celebrate who we are and have some fun while we’re at it. This year, from June 1-4, Orlando will be back in red and filled with all the pool parties, circuits, live performances and spectacular events that we know and love.
After several years at other locations, GayDayS is back at the Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld and they are commemorating their return with their theme “Homecoming.” Along with other favorite events, they will also hold a Saturday night event, “Beach Ball,” at Aquatica waterpark.
One Magical Weekend is also back, not only with their annual Friday night RipTide event at Typhoon Lagoon waterpark, but with Tidal Wave Party’s move to Las Vegas, One Magical Weekend has partnered with Orlando Bear Pride to introduce the bear-centric celebration Bear Jamboree!
Girls in Wonderland also returns with another year of exciting events for the ladies. Joining the fun all weekend long will be Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig, aka Alice and Shane from the iconic Showtime series “The L Word.”
In the following pages you will find a breakdown of events, days, times and information so you can get the most out of your big June weekend.
Along with events for GayDayS, One Magical Weekend and Girls in Wonderland, we also have the latest information on The Pride Cup, KindRED Pride Foundation’s LGBTQ+ multi-sports competition happening over three days throughout Central Florida, and everything you need to know about the inaugural Bear Jamboree!
And if you choose to include the theme parks into your celebration, there are select parks that are recommended as Red Shirts Days for each day: Thursday, June 1, will be Animal Kingdom and SeaWorld; Friday, June 2, will be Hollywood Studios and Islands of Adventure; Saturday, June 3 will be Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios; and Sunday, June 4 will be Epcot and Discovery Cove.
View event information below:
All event and ticket information are subject to change. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit each organization’s website.
